Doctor Urges Vigilance as Flu-Like Illness Spreads Across Zimbabwe

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

A leading Zimbabwean medical practitioner has urged the public to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical attention if flu-like symptoms worsen, amid growing reports of a respiratory illness affecting many people across the country. Dr Johannes Marisa, president of the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association (MDPPAZ), said the illness could be caused by COVID-19, seasonal influenza or another respiratory virus, but stressed that there was no reason for public panic.

Speaking to ZiFM Stereo News, Marisa said respiratory infections are common during this time of year and emphasised the importance of good hygiene and early treatment for people who develop severe symptoms.

"What I want people to know is there's no need to panic because COVID-19 is now endemic. When we say endemic, we mean it is among us," Marisa said.

"We are going to live with it, but people should not delay when they start to develop complications from this respiratory illness."

Marisa said doctors had observed an increase in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms in recent weeks.

"There's a bug that is causing havoc today. A lot of people are sick, and a lot of people are in trouble with respiratory illness or infection. We are very worried because this bug may be anything," he said.

He noted that the illness could be linked to COVID-19 or seasonal influenza viruses, adding that laboratory testing is needed to determine the exact cause.

"It may be COVID-19, it may not be COVID-19, it may be the seasonal flu caused by influenza type A, type B or type C. It is not surprising if it is COVID-19."

Marisa encouraged Zimbabweans to continue practising the preventive measures that proved effective during the COVID-19 pandemic, including regular handwashing, using hand sanitiser, staying home when unwell and seeking medical care if symptoms become severe. He also acknowledged that access to diagnostic testing remains limited.

"We are limited by testing at the moment," he said.

Marisa said health authorities around the world continue to monitor new COVID-19 variants and urged Zimbabweans not to underestimate the continued circulation of respiratory viruses.

He referred to reports of emerging COVID-19 variants in parts of Asia and elsewhere, noting that increased international travel means viruses can spread rapidly across borders.

"With globalisation, you know what happens. A lot of people movement is involved, and COVID-19 can land anywhere in this world."

He urged the public to maintain proper hygiene practices because respiratory viruses can spread quickly in communities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently advised that people experiencing respiratory symptoms should practise good hygiene, cover coughs and sneezes, wash their hands regularly and seek medical attention if they develop difficulty breathing, persistent fever or other severe symptoms.

Health experts also recommend that vulnerable groups including older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with underlying medical conditions take extra precautions during periods of increased respiratory illness. Authorities have not announced any outbreak of a new disease in Zimbabwe, and there has been no official confirmation that the current increase in flu-like illnesses is linked to COVID-19.

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